Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review : 10 Pros & 9 Cons

Designed for the Himalayas, the modern Indian expressways and the foreign A2 markets - the Himalayan now jumped a segment higher and has gone significantly upmarket.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Pros

• All-new, thoroughly improved, contemporary motorcycle that competes a segment higher than before - but still very much a Himalayan!
• Well-rounded package that delivers on most wishlist items from prospective customers - adjustable seat height options and riding modes widen the customer base
• Good looking motorcycle with big-bike dimensions and feel. Substantial stance similar to 500-650 cc ADVs
• 39.5 BHP engine allows new-found expressway cruising abilities. Performance is deceptively fast in the midrange, and the 6-speed gearbox with the slip and assist clutch helps to stay there all day long. Best experienced between 3,000 to 7,000 rpm
• Instrument cluster is a class act! Circular TFT with connectivity and Google Maps navigation is segment-best even two segments above
• Well-tuned Showa suspension dismisses bad roads and potholes with ease. Ride quality is excellent at speeds
• Longer wheelbase offers excellent highway stability. Handling is neutral and the tyres feel adequate for the performance on offer
• 21” front wheel, 224 mm ground clearance, 200 mm suspension travel at both ends - make for a very capable machine off-road
• Good pricing. Undercuts most rivals on price and justifies the price jump over the earlier generation. A comprehensive accessory and merchandise catalogue launched too
• Has grabbed the nation's attention! Never had to answer so many queries while out on a motorcycle - superbikes included

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Cons

• 452 cc engine's linear power delivery masks the performance on offer. The motor delivers neither the low-end torque pull of the old Himalayan nor the high rpm rush of some rivals
• Single-cylinder vibrations are present throughout the revv-range. Not a deal breaker and no resonance experienced at any rpm range, but certainly not dismissible either
• At 196 kg - the Himalayan is heavy compared to single-cylinder rivals. The motorcycle feels very well-balanced on the move, but top-heavy during parking manoeuvres and when taking the bike off the side and centre stand
• Poor lamps all around. Headlamp is woefully inadequate and the quirky new indicator stalk + tail lamp vibrate on bad roads, making it blurry for traffic behind
• Saddling ergonomics are slightly amiss for taller people. The handlebar feels a bit low and the tank fails to support the knees
• Fit and finish could be improved. Good overall build is marred by poor execution of touchpoint items like the joystick switch, indicator switch, etc. Also, the stock mirror is useless at highway speeds
• Missing features for rider control like traction control, IMU / cornering ABS, quick shifter, adjustable clutch and brake levers, backlit switchgear, etc.
• The much-awaited tubeless spoke wheels have been delayed for the Indian market due to supplier homologation issues
• Concerns about freshly brewed technology. The Sherpa engine is the first-ever liquid-cooled motor from Royal Enfield